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I didn't find out til after I was in recovery that mine was enlarged. They did a biopsy and it can't back with stage 1 non alcohol fatty liver disease aka nash aka nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. I'm fine, losing the weight will help it keep from progressing. it's partially hereditary for me. My grandmother had the same issue. She ended up with cirrhosis and was never overweight or drinking. There have been recent studies that show it is related to high fructose corn syrup. our generation are the ones who have had that crap in our foods our entire lives. So where those 50s to the elderly are the ones who are developing this disease as adults, it's happening to twenty somethings also. So long story short, get your kids off of it. Even if they don't have weight issues. Just my opinion. But I am 27 and have Nash. It may not seen to hurt them now...

I have to admit I am quite emotional when it comes to the idea of ever being in the 100's again, needless to say what you just wrote to me brought tears to my eyes. My tiny (literally 90 lbs soaking wet) grandmother had her first heart attack when she was 42. My grandfather has high blood pressure, my mother has horrible Rheumatoid Arthritis, My father, although I believe his and everyone on his side of the family with health issues is related to drugs/alcohol, has diabetes (however his over weight brother who was never in to drugs also has type 2 diabetes from being so large). The only thing I have at this point is polycystic ovaries, minor asthma that only seems to act up when I am sick, and of course my ankle that I had 2 screws put in back in April of this year. I must also say thought that I was terrified when I awoke in the recovery room from my surgery in April because my heart took off racing, I believe it went up to 142, and as my nurse was rushing around in a panic I managed to get the heart rate under control on my own without any meds.....but the fact that it took off like that scares me a little. I have had 7 surgeries in my life (starting when I was 6, an appendectomy, T&A removal, leap procedure, closed ankle reduction, ankle fusion, gall bladder removal, then another ankle fusion when the first one didn't heal as planned.) and been put under two additional times when they were trying to find out what was wrong with me (they performed ERCP's and finally found the stupid gall stone stuck in my bile duct after I had my gall bladder out in 2005 and my condition still wasnt improving). I think I have always been scared before any surgery I have had and worried I would die...so this shouldn't be any different for me, right? I came out of all those just fine and should do the same here :-)

The biggest risk with alcohol is that you might overdo it and get sick to your stomach. Early out, that is just asking for a complication, such as a slip, gastritis, etc. IF you drink, make it one or two and call it done. Don't risk another surgery for a 21st birthday celebration.

My band has made my stomach very sensitive to irritants... acidic drinks, coffee, alcohol etc irritate my band area and make it hard to eat or drink at all (I learned this after a weekend of lemonade). I'd be hesitant to drink something potentially harsh before that band is fully healed! And... Happy Band day today! Hope the surgery went well!

If an alcoholic had to serve and prepare alcohol for others and go to bars and watch their loved ones consume their favorite drinks while remaining sober would that be easy? Just switch us out for the alcoholic and food for drinks and this is what we go through all the time. Watching my family eat chocolate cake from the best restaurant in town the other night (on my birthday!!!) was not easy but worth it. There are many challenging moments like missing the annual Greek food festival bc there is no way i want to watch my friends eat gyros and baklava. And right now I can't sleep bc I've got a piece of chicken stuck and it hurts!

My potassium was low...you might want to also talk to doctor about your levels...stay hydrated and yes watch the BP meds. Low Potassium (Hypokalemia) Overview copied from "emedicine", I am not a nurse or doctor: Low potassium levels (hypokalemia), can cause weakness as cellular processes are impaired. Potassium is a mineral (electrolyte) in the body. Almost 98% of potassium is found inside the cells. Small changes in the level of potassium that is present outside the cells can have severe effects on the heart, nerves, and muscles. Potassium is important to maintain several bodily functions: Muscles need potassium to contract. The heart muscle needs potassium to beat properly and regulate blood pressure. The kidney is the main organ that controls the balance of potassium by removing excess potassium into the urine. When potassium levels are low (hypokalemia), you can become weak as cellular processes are impaired. The normal potassium level is 3.5-5.0 mEq/L (mEq/L stand for milliequivalents per liter of blood and this is a measure used to evaluate the level). Low potassium is defined as a potassium level below 3.5 mEq/L. Almost one out of five people hospitalized in the United States has a low potassium level. People with eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia, patients with AIDS, alcoholics, and those who have had bariatric surgery have a higher incidence of hypokalemia than others.

My surgeon / NUT recommends waiting a year. Whatever you decide, keep in mind that you will feel tipsy quicker and then feel sober quicker, but your blood alcohol level will remain elevated. So be sure to have a driver, even if you feel fine, because if you get pulled over and do a breathalizer, you may be illegal. Be safe!

Sorry to hear you've lost a friend, hope things calm down and you can be friends again one day (perhaps not dinner buddies any time soon). I've also had some unfortunate times out with friends poking fun at what i'm eating and saying they all want a lap band just to lose weight. Funny none of them want to come for a run or spin class though! Most disappointing was some comments from my fellow lap banders friends last week, who said i must be doing something wrong and not really caring given i had a tuna salad wrap, (which i agree was at the upper end of the size scale for a lapbander) for lunch vs their fried fish and fries covered in creamy sauce. Even at half the portion size, the calories were dripping from very mouthful they were eating which was repulsive, and i copped a lecture about eating too much. Funny i wasnt washing mine down with alcohol and needed something to fuel my body before going for a surf. I've just started to develop a tough skin and come to learn those who i expected more support have sadly let me down and some of the best support has come from those i never expected.

My nutritionist recommended never drinking alcohol again. But this is not realistic. Moderation is key.

JUST WANTED TO KNOW HOW LONG DID IT TAKE FOR YOU ALL TO HAVE WINE OR LIQUOR AFTER SURGERY ? I'M ALMOST 2 WEEKS POST SURGERY AND MY BIRTHDAY IS NEXT MONTH ON THE 25TH SO WONDERING IF I SHOULD HAVE A GLASS OF WINE THEN. PLEASE GET BACK TO ME WITH THE FEEDBACK GUYS !! THANK YOU :-)

Hello fellow sleevers or potential sleevers, I am new here, and this is my story ....sort of.... The decission to have Weight Loss Surgery was not a easy one, but it was a logical decission. I am a 33 yo Male, 5ft11in 302 pounds. I have been battling with weight loss for many years, I have tried all diets and spent thousands and thousands of dollars on them, Nutrisystem x3 times, Weight Watchers, Slim Fast, Herbal Life, Nutripia Fresh food Delivery, GNC Total Lean. I have lost weight on all those diets, but nothing significant. I suffer from bulging disks in my back and have had 2 arthoscopic right knee surgeries which prevent me from excercising. My family has a history of Obesity, Cardiac, Hight Blood Pressure, Diabetes, High Cholestorol. I see myself gaining weight, and slowing down, I am tired, and my whole body is in pain, all the time. I wasnt able to do things I wanted to do, because my body just wouldnt do it, The attempt at just normal walks, i would be in pain. So I was discussing the options with my boyfriend, he mentioned to me that a radio DJ from local radio station Z100 had weight loss surgery, and I looked him up, at this point, I never heard of the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy, I only knew of the Lap Band, and the Bypass, which both, I was not happy about, I heard about huge failures from the Lap Band, and I didnt like the idea of re routing my intestines, let alone did I ever think i was a candidate for weight loss surgery either. So I decided to google the radio DJ, and looked up where he had the surgery, I landed on the website of New York Bariatric Group, after browsing their website, and learning about different types of surgeries, I filled out the quick contact form to make an appointment for a consulation, they promptly called me back the next day and I made an appointment for March 14, 2012. March 14, 2012, I had an appointment with Dr. Spencer Holover, From NY Bariatric Group, for initial consultation, he explained every surgery in detail and told me, I didnt have to make a decission on the actual procedure I wanted, until my last appointment, when it is time to make the surgery date. Which i was relieved about, because I had my own research to do (which I highly recommend). I left the office, feeling very informed, and not pressured into making a rapid huge decission, The office staff was extremely welcoming, and pleasant to deal with, they handed me a folder with information in it, and told me, all I had to do, was fill out the information in the folder, and they would handle everything on my behalf, and they did. During the 6 months required by my insurance, I did my own research, which consisted of a lot of self made videos from people who actually had the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy, Bypass, and Lap Band, and I started leaning towards the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy, it seemd the most successful, with minimal complications, and I liked the fact of still keeping my anatomy, just less of it. Up until the 5 month, I stll have never made the decission, I tossed the idea around with the psychologist, until I sat down and said, it was the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy I was going to have. My Surgeon required the following: Cardiac Clearance Pulmonary Clearance Mental Health Dietary Evaluation Endoscop Endocrine Consult PCP Surgical Clearance Stress Test Gastric Emptying Study My insurance (GHI) required the following: 6 Month Weight Loss Program In the time during the 6 Month Weight Loss Program, I made all the appointments for the Surgeon requirments. It is very important, that you DO NOT miss a weigh in with the surgeon, the insurance company will make you start all over again. My surgery date was 9/18/2012, at Mercy Medical Center in Rockville Center, NY. Since all doctors and nutritionists are different, and therefore so are there guidelines. These are the guidelines that I followed according to my doctors' advice. Two Weeks Before Surgery - liquid Diet with 3-4 Protein shakes a day. The reason for the pre-op diet is simple - obese people tend to have a condition called fatty infiltration of the liver. The liver sits right in the way of your surgeon and they have to be able to lift it and get it out of the way while they work. Caffeine, carbonated drinks of any kind and alcohol are now off the menu at this point. Carbonated drinks are gone forever. 24 hours before surgery - Clear liquid diet. Water, chicken broth, sugar-free Jello, sugar free popsicles. Nothing after midnight on the day before surgery. Surgery - In the hospital on tue morning and surgery around 8am. Next day - They came with Ice Water and looked like mini shot glasses, then they came with a tray of chicken broth, tea, diet cranberry juice, they said if I can tolerate this, then they would come with a tray of pureed food.( I drank the cranberry juice and chicken broth)They came with the following:Pureed Food - they came with a tray of tuna fish, creamy tomato Soup, diet cranbery juice, tea, low fat milk, Pro-Stat Proetin drink/mixI ate some tuna, drank some cranberry juice and mixed the protein mix in with it. I ate enough, and it stood down. ( took the rest home with me) Basic Post-Op Rules ( For my surgeon ) Eat slowly. Each meal should take 15-30 minutes. Drink fluids between meals, either 30 minutes before or 30-45 minutes after. 4-6 week Post-Op - Stage 2 - Soft, Mushy and or pureed ( First month adter surgery solid food are all prohibited ) Examples: Pureed meats, fish, chicken Baby food containing protein Low fat yogurt, cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, humus Sugar free puddings or jellos Hot Cereal (oatmeal, cream of wheat, farina, grits Ground meats such as turkey, chicken, veal or pork Turkey burgers or chicken balls White Flaky fish (Tilapia, cod, flounder) Eggs/Whites (Scrambled, poached, omelets) fruits and vegetables are limited Preparation: Foods can be baked, broiled, grilled, steamed, or poached. Do Not Use Bread Crumbs Use chicken, vegetable, or beef broth to make moist. Do Not Reheat in microwave, it can change the consistency of the the food. Portion Size: Palm of hand (3-4 ounces) Remember: You are concentrating on protein. The food does not have to be "meal specific". Try omlets for dinner or leftover fish for Breakfast. I had minimal pain during the hospital stay although I was on a morphine PAC pump, I used it before they walked me every 2 hrs, because it was uncomfortable to get in and out of bed, yes they walked me, every two hours on the DOT around the clock, they are very strict with their procedures, but it minimalized infections, blood clots, and any aother issues that can arrise. I have to say, I am very happy with the whole process, I am happy with my sleeve, and I am down from 302lb to 273ib. (obvioulsy I lost a decent ammount with the 2 week liquid diet) but I am still making some progress.

That may be a little soon to be testing out alcohol.. You are still in the healing mode. May be you should Celebrate without alcohol the month then in a few months have a party to celebrate your first drink and how much weight you will have lost. Enjoy"

I have had my second fill and am not in the green zone with 3cc fill appear to be stuck at this weight for 3 weeks now. I am trying not to get discouraged, continue to walk thinking about getting a personal trainer just to make the scale move. I had a large celebration this week with my only cheat being a 2oz sample of wine. First and only alcohol since going under the knife. No sweets at all and making healthy choices. Time to get back to my journal I guess to really see what's happening with my intake calorie wise. I have to remain focused, I can feel a difference in my clothes as I have shed an entire wardrobe! Another non scale victory under 100 to lose! I can do this....! Yes..I can!

My biggest advice - banded or not - take it slow and eat before you go out. Your first big drinking experience will kick your butt if you go too fast. At 3 weeks, you will most likely still be on your post op diet. Ea something heavy to help soak up the alcohol. If you're on mushies, tuna would be good. If still on liquids, I recommend only 3 drinks all night so you don't get wasted. You do not want to throw up as it can dislodge your band. Definitely talk to your doctor. Mine didn't say anything about alcohol specifically, just to watch empty liquid calories. Good luck and happy birthday!!

I was on liquids at the three week mark so alcohol would not have been a good idea. Ask your surgeon

Every doctor is different and so you will get all sort of answers. I suggest asking your doctor. Keep in mind alcohol is empty calories. I drink wine every night, I have worked it into my diet by counting the calories. And yes I had it at 3 weeks post op. My doctor knows I drink wine and says if it's working fir you ok. I'm down 60 lbs in 7 months, I think it's working. Good luck and happy 21st birthday!

My Dr advised no drinking the first six weeks and suggests no alcohol at all due to empty calories and carbonation in beer and champagne but didn't say its banned all together.. I'd ask your Dr directly about this though!

I've always been told no more alcohol. sorry.

soo I will be turning 21 on the 21st of October and I will be getting banded on the 1st of October . am I allowed to drink alcohol? around the three week mark? my surgeon didn't really go over this, nor did my nutritionist when were discussing my diet . my health is wayyyyy more important than being able to have my first drink , I just wanted to know

Chad, if you lived closer I'd come over and bring the non-alcoholic, non-carbonated, diet beer....otherwise known as lemonaid.

I was unable to do all liquid diet and my NUT let me have chicken grilled NOT FRIED,or fish.... and what everyone else said No alcohol due to the liver issues

I would stay away from the drinks since alcohol affects the liver and the whole reason behind the liquid diet is to shrink your liver for a safer surgery.

things went well with the surgery (9/10). i was in and out quickly. they did find that my liver was way larger than normal, so they took a biopsy. came back and i have early fibrosis/non alcoholic steatohepatitis (fatty liver disease) that could lead to cirrhosis if i dont get/keep the weight off. in the hospital overnight, couldn't sleep. was on an 8 minute dilaudid pain pump, which i thank heaven for. just don't let them take out your IV/pain pump til they are actually ready to walk you out the door, especially if you have a long way to get home. i had mine out too long and got very agitated because the dr took 2.5h to write my discharge orders... i felt horrible and then started running a fever and my blood pressure and heart rate (things i don't have issues with) skyrocketed. the nurse had a horrified look on her face when she took them right before i left. on the ride home, every bump was horrible. i just wanted my own bed. and it felt like years before my husband got home from the pharmacy with my pain meds. other than that just poking and prodding. went home the next day, pain for about a day and a half, only gave my oxycodone. phenergan did not touch the nausea, so they called in some zofran. if you have nausea, DEMAND the zofran. much more effective. turned out to have been pain mainly from the nausea from pain meds. i was fine w just zofran the 2 or 3 days after that, then i felt just fine. within the week, i actually felt GOOD. weird. i did have one night where i laid in bed and felt like there was electricity going through my body. i couldn't sleep and was just restless. it was horrible. i think it was related to an anti nausea patch they gave me to put behind my ear? not sure, but i stopped using it and it hasn't happened since. so far, down 25 lbs and 25 inches. mostly in my arms, legs, and face. coming off slowly on the abdomen, which is where i carry everything. was initially scheduled for 3 weeks off work. i feel good. was cleared for soft food, sex, and exercise today, THANK GOD. walking wasn't cutting it. i did get approved for another 2 weeks off of work though. i want to be less exhausted from healing. my sleeve doesn't hurt. it cramps a little in the am when i am empty and haven't taken my prilosec, but other than that, no pain. no nausea otherwise. i think i am eating too quickly bc i am overly full when i am done. take the time to listen to your body. eat super small bites VERY SLOWLY and you'll avoid getting too full, which feels gross and can make you cough out the extra. it's really not fun. matrix mint cookie protein and i are bffs. the best flavor! and not too thick. so glad i did it! best decision i have ever made! questions? lol

i don't think a small amount of sugar is going to be a deal breaker, the problem is when it becomes a slippery slope. I have been trying to get away from artificial sweeteners and i have found a stevia product that I love! It is NOW Bitter Stevia non better alcohol free extract. I find no bitter taste with it and it works amazing! I sweeten my drinks with it, my yogurt, everything! I have heard that coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and works well, but it is expensive and I have not tried it. Try a few natural sweeteners and see how you do! Good Luck!

Yes, I do Net Carbs. Total Carbs - Fiber + sugar alcohols = total I lost 40pounds in 3 months eating the Atkins way, and i don't eat red or processed meat. I really like eating this way bcs I don't eat fake or low fat either. It never agreed with me. I am tracking my calories on MFP. I've managed to keep my calories between 600-800 post surgery. Pre-surgery I have no idea. Honestly, I'm not sure what is going to work for me long term, but I like cheese too much to give it up. :-) But, I think I need more carbs for my workouts. So.....I'm a work in progress.